Stansted couple celebrate their diamond wedding with family and friends at Mountfitchet House Care Home in Stansted

A couple celebrating 60 years of marriage were treated to a romantic meal for two by staff at the Stansted care home where they live.

Brian Reeves, 86, and wife Catherine, 81, met at a youth club on the tennis courts of the former RAF Cottesmore in Rutland in 1959 and have been together ever since.

They now reside at Mountfitchet House Care Home in Coltsfield, where they enjoyed a three-course diamond anniversary lunch at the home’s own ‘pub’, complete with heart-shaped decorations and a party with family and friends.

The happy couple, who have three children, said their favourite memory from their marriage – so far – is a tour of Ireland in the 1980s when they watched the sun go down in Galway Bay, just like the song by John Whitehead.

When asked the secret to a happy marriage, Brian said: “It’s all about love.”

Catherine added: “It’s about respecting your friendship and loving each other through the good and bad.”

Catherine revealed that her initial impression of Brian when they first met was that he was “a very nice man”. Although her father was protective, Brian won him over and the couple were married at a church in Ilford on September 12, 1964.

Home manager Joanna Duke said: “We were honoured to share this momentous occasion with Brian and Catherine.

“Here at Mountfitchet House, we know how important it is to celebrate all life’s milestones, big and small.

“This was a very special day for Brian and Catherine and we loved raising a glass to their long and happy marriage – 60 years is a huge amount of time and there’s lots we can learn from them about building a successful relationship.”